Market of Choice, Oregon’s largest independent, family-owned grocer, is strengthening its commitment to local producers with Craft & Kitchen, its new private label line.
The line includes premium dairy products and center-store pantry staples distinguished by recipes and flavors created with Oregon makers and Market of Choice chefs.
Market of Choice stores have the largest selection of products made and grown in Oregon, with more than 7,000 items available across 11 stores statewide. Each premium product reflects the craftsmanship, creativity and flavors of an Oregon producer.
“Market of Choice’s new Craft & Kitchen line is more than a typical private label brand; it is a celebration of Oregon’s makers,” said John Boyle, chief merchandising and marketing officer.
“We are creating unique recipes in collaboration with local artisans that elevate our customers’ food experience while aligning with our core values and unwavering support for local makers, keeping dollars in the local economy, and delivering products to customers that taste great.”
With more products launching later this year, the curated collection available in stores now showcases these collaborations:
- Fruit spreads and honey by Oregon Growers;
- Milk from Umpqua Dairy;
- Eggs by Wilcox Family Farms;
- Mac & cheese and pastas from Rallenti Pasta;
- Local Heat Tortilla Chips by Hot Mama Salsa; and
- Pasta sauces from Paradigm Foodworks: coming soon. Market of Choice will be adding four to the line in the coming weeks. Produced by Lake Oswego’s Paradigm Foodworks, these Market of Choice chef-created recipes showcase classic flavors enhanced by Oregon mushrooms, cheese, chilis and wine.
Each Oregon maker Market of Choice is collaborating with got their start with Market of Choice or is involved in its MOJO program, which has helped local entrepreneurs jumpstart their ventures.
Knowing Portland-based Hot Mama Salsa owner Nikki Guerrero was in the process of expanding her line, Market of Choice invited her to collaborate on the development of Local Heat Tortilla Chips.
Market of Choice had previously offered a house-made flavored chip in its deli and saw an opportunity to bring it back with a local twist under the Craft & Kitchen label.
Guerrero and Market of Choice blended the grocer’s original recipe with spices and Mexican chili peppers from Peppered Earth in Forest Grove, Oregon.
“For someone passionate about the local food community, it’s exciting to work with a grocery chain that truly supports small makers,” Guerrero said. “Oregon has one of the most amazing food cultures in the country, if not the world.
“Market of Choice’s Craft & Kitchen private label highlights the incredible bounty of Oregon’s food scene and showcases what’s possible when a retailer truly invests in its local makers.”
Market of Choice also has a private-release wine collection that includes the CommUnity Cellars and Intersect brands, along with the recently launched Place line, which reflects the distinct terroir of Oregon’s wine-growing regions.
About Market of Choice
Founded in 1979, Market of Choice has stores in Ashland, Bend, Corvallis, Eugene, Medford and the Portland-metro area.
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